Top loading vertical axis washing/drying machine

Abstract

A washing/drying machine has a top loading, wash type inner tub which is rotatable about a vertical axis and accommodates clothes during both a washing and drying cycle. The inner tub is positioned within a vertically arranged outer tub which is capable of storing water for the wash cycle. An agitator is provided within the inner tub adjacent to its lower closed end and has an outer diameter close to an inner diameter of the inner tub. A motor is disposed outside of the inner and outer tubs and selectively rotates the agitator in sequential clockwise and counterclockwise motions during the washing cycles. A dryer is disposed outside of and connected to the inner and outer tubs by first and second air passages which direct drying air to a space between the inner and outer tubs, and the open end of the inner tub. During the drying cycle, the motor rotates the agitator and inner drum in opposite directions so the damp clothes, which tend to rest at the bottom of the inner tub, are tossed up into the drying air to promote uniform drying. Also, the agitator flanges may be curved to enhance their ability to scoop up the damp clothes during the drying cycle and toss them in the air.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A washing/drying machine comprising: an inner tub rotatable about a generally vertical axis, said inner tub accommodating an object during a washing and drying cycle, said inner tub comprising a hollow cylinder shaped mesh screen having a closed end and an opposite open end;   an outer tub rotatable about a generally vertical axis and receiving said inner tub therein, said outer tub being capable of storing water therein and having an open end closable by a hood;   an agitator provided within said inner tub adjacent to said closed end, thereof, said agitator having an outer diameter close to an inner diameter of said inner tub;   a motor device disposed outside of said inner and outer tubs which is connected to the inner tub and agitator so as to selectively rotate said agitator and said inner tub during the washing and drying cycles, said agitator rotated in successive clockwise and counter clockwise motions with respect to said inner tub during said washing cycle, and said agitator and said inner tub selectively rotated in opposite directions during said drying cycle; and   a dryer disposed outside of and connected to an air discharge in the hood and a space between said inner and outer tubs by first and second air passages.   
     
     
       2. The washing/drying machine of claim 1, further comprising a body for supporting said inner and outer tubs and a suspension which suspends said tubs within said body. 
     
     
       3. The washing/drying machine of claim 1, further comprising an air circulating passage including a passage portion extending from said open end of said inner tub to a bottom of said inner tub through an interior of said inner tub, and a passage portion extending from said bottom of said inner tub from said open end of said inner tub through said air passage. 
     
     
       4. The washing/drying machine of claim 3, further comprising a blower provided in said air passage. 
     
     
       5. The washing/drying machine of claim 4, further comprising a heater provided in said air passage on a downstream side of said blower for heating air flowing from said air passage. 
     
     
       6. The washing/drying machine of claim 5, wherein said blower channels air above said inner rob. 
     
     
       7. The washing/drying machine of claim 1, wherein said inner tub is agitated during said drying cycle to propel said object upwardly from said closed end toward said open end thereof. 
     
     
       8. The washing/drying machine of claim 1, wherein said agitator comprises at least one flange. 
     
     
       9. The washing/drying machine of claim 8, wherein said at least one flange is rotated about said generally vertical axis. 
     
     
       10. The washing/drying machine of claim 9, wherein said at least one flange is substantially angled.